Wednesday, February 14, 2018

This is a world divided by blood - red or silver. The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change. That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.Fearful of Mare's potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance - Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart.

I purchased this book a couple years ago and just now got a chance to sit down and read it. I'm so glad I finally did, but wish I had been able to read it earlier. The Red Queen is a dystopian novel that has elements reminiscent of popular reads such as The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Selection. The subtitle/tagline "Power is a dangerous game" is perfect for this intriguing tale.

Mare Barrow is part of a society where your blood literally determines your destiny. Those with blood of silver are the ruling and upper class; those with blood of red are little more than slaves, destined to a life of servitude and poverty. When fate seems to smile upon her, despite her red blood she is swept into the life of a Silver - in fact, a life of a royal.

But, the seeming life of privilege is nothing more than a different cage. Mare is forced to become someone she isn't - forced to lie about not only who she is, but what she believes. She desperately tries to hold on to her true identity while attempting to navigate this new life. However, Mare doesn't realize she is only a pawn in a dangerous game where anyone can betray anyone.

From the first page, Aveyard pulls you into Mare's world of red and silver - a world where power corrupts, trust is fragile, and the line between truth and lies is often blurred.

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Stranded in a time and place he never wished for, Kishan Rajaram must carry out his destiny of assisting the beautiful yet extremely irritable goddess Durga. This daunting task is not made easy by the fact that he must also face the truth about the girl he loves and the brother who stole her away.

When the wily shaman Phet appears and tells Kishan that Kelsey needs him, he jumps at the chance to see her again. In his efforts to save her, Kishan discovers that the curse he thought was over is just beginning. As time unravels around him, Kishan realizes that the fates of all those he holds dear lie in hands.

The goddess’s power hangs in the balance. Kishan has no choice but to sacrifice the unthinkable to fight the dark forces swirling around the woman he’s charged to protect. As he does, he discovers that love and loyalty create their own magic and accepts that he must decide his destiny once and for all.

Tiger’s Dream is the conclusion to the epic Tiger’s Curse fantasy romance series that left you breathless.

A stubborn cowboy has sworn never to forgive or forget—but
one special woman may find a way to change his mind . . .
Hospice nurse Laken Garlington helps people face the end with peace and
dignity, surrounded by their loved ones. But the son of her new patient didn’t
come home to reunite with his dad. So why is Cyler Myer back
in horse country? It’s clear the sexy, six-three hunk with the steely eyes has
a score to settle, and Laken doesn’t plan on being collateral damage . . . no
matter how irresistible she finds the prodigal cowboy.

Dying is too good for the father Cyler will never forgive—not in this
lifetime.
Showing up at his family’s Washington State ranch is the first step in his
plan. But revenge takes a back seat to desire when Cyler meets a bossy beauty
who arouses feelings he isn’t ready to face. As they work together to save an
ailing mare, Cyler realizes he must decide where his true destiny lies.
With darkness . . . or with the woman who offers the promise of redemption
with every kiss.

Heart of a Cowboy is one of those books that tears at your heartstrings. You know from the beginning that you're going to cry - it's inevitable. But it also warms your heart, makes you giggle and even laugh out loud. There are times that I got frustrated and angry - yet all worked out as it should in the end.

Laken couldn't be more perfect - truly, I can't think of a flaw except for her lack of cooking skills. Jack certainly is a stubborn old coot, but you can't help but love him. Cyler is just as stubborn as his dad - and the animosity he has towards his dad at the beginning is almost frightening, even if it's justified. I suppose only someone as perfect as Laken could soften two angry, bitter men.

A beautiful story from beginning to end.

honest disclosure ~ I received a review copy

FYI ~ open door intimate scenes, some language

Excerpt

His gaze shamelessly took in her silhouette against the
evening sun, and he edged closer. Yet with each step, it wasn’t enough. Rather
like a magnet, she pulled him in, and he didn’t want to fight the impulse.

Softly, he reached up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind
her ear, his body heating as she met his gaze, then shyly diverted her eyes. He
traced his fingertips down her neck then gently grasped her shoulder,
encouraging her to turn and face him fully. Anticipation flooded him. Her
breath quickened, and her pink tongue darted out to caress her lower lip,
enticing him. Deliberately, he leaned forward, watching as her eyes widened,
but quickly she stepped out from his hold, putting several feet of distance
between them.

“No. I can’t.” She wrapped her arms around her waist,
hugging herself. Her eyes were bright with suppressed excitement,
encouraging him.

“Why?” he asked, stepping forward.

Laken edged back. “This is the very definition of conflict
of interest.” She arched a brow but grinned, her posture relaxing.

“I’m not going to take no for an answer.” He gave a small
grin in return, taking a step closer.She laughed, rolling her green eyes. “Why am I not
surprised?”“Just being honest.” He shrugged.

“Thank you. I think.” She chuckled again, the sound slightly nervous. “Unless
you’re not interested?” He let the question linger, closing the distance as he watched indecision, desire, and hesitancy
flash across her face. “That’s beside the point—”“That is the only point,” he interrupted.

“I...I could lose my job.” She spoke quietly.

“Are you on the clock right now?” Cyler reached up, tracing
the line from her ear along her jaw, pausing at her full lips.

“It’s complicated. But in short, no.” she murmured, her
expression softening.

“Good.” Without giving her a chance to protest, he closed
the final distance between them and sealed her lips with his.

At first contact, he realized the danger he’d just invited.
It wasn’t just a kiss; rather, each nerve had come alive, demanding more.
Angling his head slightly, he was able to capture more of her kiss,
deepening the exchange as his tongue ran along the seam of her lips, begging
for entrance. He could feel her hesitation melt as she leaned into him, her
lips caressing his, inviting, intoxicating him with each touch.

As she opened her mouth, her arms tentatively grasped his
forearms before sliding up to his shoulders then pulling him in tight.
Cyler’s already- burning body smoldered deeper, demanding more than just a
kiss. Yet he held himself in check, in spite of the pounding blood that seemed
to overtake every other sense.

His hand slid up her back, mapping the delicate curve of her
waist. Her tongue met his, stealing every other rational thought as he accepted
her invitation and tasted the full flavor that was Laken. Her fingers slid
up from his shoulders, threading through his hair and tugging, causing his
heart to pound harder, his body to grow even harder as he pressed into her soft
curves. He breathed in her soft gasp as he bit on her lower lip, pulling her
in, leading her. He mated with her lips, fusing his with hers, searing
his brand with each brush of his lips, each caress of his hand across her
waist.

Abruptly she pulled away, her green eyes wild as they
blinked up at him, staring deep into his soul. Naked in his eyes—yet fully
clothed—she studied him, and the kiss had him off guard just enough that all
the careful walls he’d constructed were still lowered.

Damn it all.

“So...that just happened,” she whispered, a hand reaching up
to touch her pink lips. “Whoa.” She swallowed, his eyes capturing each minute
movement, each tiny shift of her gaze.

Then she smiled.

“To be fair, I did warn you I wasn’t taking no for an
answer.” He relaxed slightly, feeling less exposed and vulnerable.

“You did.” Her gaze flickered to the ground as her lips
tipped into a lopsided grin.

“And I’ll be straight with you. I’m going to kiss you
again.”

Her gaze shot back to his, widening slightly. “So, you’re
saying I don’t get a choice?” She flirted.

He chuckled. “I’m saying you don’t really want one.”

She rolled her eyes. “A little sure of yourself, aren’t
you?” She tucked her hands into her back pockets, regarding him.

He took a small step forward, leaning in to her before
whispering, “You kissed me back.”

Her pert nose scrunched up. “Caught that, did you?”

“Yup. Pretty much.” He laughed softly, reaching out and
tugging on her elbow, and she willingly released her hand from her back
pocket.

“Fair warning?” she asked as he leaned in.

“Fair warning,” he murmured before taking her lips once
more, astounded at how her warmth captivated him, and how his blood went to an
immediate boil.

He’d expected her to moderate the kiss, and he’d been fully
prepared to tease her, to test the waters to see how far she’d let him push,
but what he hadn’t been prepared for was her response.

Rather than play hard to get, she returned the kiss with
full force, biting his lower lip and fanning the already-burning flames.
Her hands mapped his back, kneading, tracing, driving him crazy with each
touch, reminding him that he could—should—be closer. He groaned as she
tugged on his button-up shirt, sliding her hand up his chest, skin on skin.

He breathed in her sigh as he splayed his hands across her
hips, pulling her closer then rocking her against him. He was taken by surprise
when she kissed then bit him gently on the neck before quickly disentangling
herself from his grasp and walking away.

Confused, he turned to watch as she glanced over her
shoulder, giving him a teasing grin. “Fair warning.”

Cyler’s face broke into a wide smile, one that caused his
cheeks to ache with an unfamiliar yet welcome pain as he watched her hike back
up the hill. “Are you just going to stand there and stare, or are you going to
hurry up? Daylight’s burning.” She taunted as she continued her trek toward the
truck. Cyler rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, shaking his head,
and grinning. “Is that how it’s going to be?”“Are you complaining?” Laken turned, taking a few steps backward on a flatter
portion of the hike.

“No, ma’am,” Cyler replied, starting toward her.

“Good.” She giggled and finished the hike with him not far behind. When Cyler
reached Laken, he grasped her hand in his and kept it tight the whole way back to the ranch. The sunset’s glow
made her face appear even more flushed, and he couldn’t help the smug
satisfaction that he’d done that to her. It had been a long time since he’d
felt that way, since he’d even wanted a woman to wear his kiss. It was
disconcerting, yet electrifying all at once, but as much as he wanted to ride
the wave of excitement, he felt the familiar suspicion creep in, the kind that
made him question if this were truly real.

Because heaven only knew how he’d been fooled before.

Cyler glanced over to Laken, meeting her gaze and smiling
before he back to gazing out the window.

The past was the past. This was a chance for a new future.
Let that serve as fair warning...to his heart.

Author Bio

Kristin's inspiration for the romance she writes comes from
her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children
to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some
mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! Life is full—of blessings and
adventure! Needless to say she’s a big fan of coffee and wine…and living in
Washington she’s within walking distance of both!

Friday, December 8, 2017

Holly's two Christmas wishes
this year are to finally win her mother's approval by gaining the notice of a
handsome earl, and discovering the identity of the stranger who gave her a
heart-shattering kiss...even if that mystery kisser is the resident Christmas
ghost.

Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

I have always enjoyed Donna Hatch's books, and Christmas Secrets is no exception. Holly's story is a sweet and delightful holiday romantic tale. Of course, there's a little bit of mystery thrown in, as well. The main characters were all thoroughly developed and the minor plot lines added substance to the story. I absolutely adored Holly - she's a heroine that you almost can't help but love. Throughout most of the story I couldn't decide between Mr. Berry and Lord Bradbury as my personal choice for Holly. However, in the end, I believe things ended up just exactly as they should.

If you need a sweet romance to snuggle up with this winter, Christmas Secrets should be at the top of your list.

honest disclosure ~ I received a review copy

FYI ~ clean read - no content or language advisories

This snippet is from the beginning of the book when Holly goes to the conservatory to learn whether there truly is a ghost.

“There you are,” a low male voice murmured barely above a whisper.

With a squeak, she jumped.

A soft laugh came in reply and that same low voice said, “Forgive me for startling you.”

She tried to peer into the face of the dark figure nearby, but the brightness of the moonlight on the snow outside all but blinded her. Which guest had come to the conservatory? She was supposed to remain alone.

A silhouetted male form neared. “You are so lovely.”

Was that Lord Bradbury? Did he truly think her lovely? He’d hardly exchanged two words with her since she and her parents arrived this morning. Who else might have come?

The figure sank into the next seat to her. Before Holly said a word, a warm, gentle, ungloved hand touched her cheek. She froze. A pair of lips pressed against hers. Soft, tender, invigorating, his kiss immobilized her. His lips moved across hers, testing, offering. He tasted faintly of citrus and cinnamon, exotic, and delicious. The heat of his lips lit an answering warmth inside. Oh heavens, she’d never imagined such a sensation! His lips continued to play with hers while a sweet ache formed. With both hands, he cradled her face, and deepened the kiss. An exquisitely delicious sensation carried her closer to an edge she never knew existed. An untouched place in her heart awoke and sang while the hot and cold tingles turned into a foreign longing. Every bone, muscle, and sinew in her body turned to liquid more decadent than the chocolate she liked to drink every morning.

She sighed. A soft male moan came in reply. The kiss ended but his soft lips planted tiny kisses along her cheek, her eyelids, her brow. Holly remained motionless, spellbound by the beauty and power of the kiss. His hands withdrew. She kept her eyes closed another heartbeat, unwilling to release the sensations shooting through her. Who had kissed her? And why?

Surely it was Lord Bradbury. Why else would he have encouraged her to come seeking a ghost? She opened her eyes.

She sat alone.

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MAIL-ORDER PRINCESS by Jessica Day George: Elise flees her small kingdom and arrives in the New World with only her two trunks and seven swans—her seven brothers to be exact. But Elise will do anything to get her brothers away from their cruel stepmother’s curse, even if it means accepting the long-distance marriage proposal to a former count turned farmer.

THE MILLER’S DAUGHTER by Julie Wright: When Isa meets Thomas Rumple, she is quickly infatuated with his good looks and natural charm, until she learns his true identity. Due to a wild claim by her insufferable father, Isa’s life is threatened by the king if she can’t spin a room full of straw into gold, and Thomas may be the only one who can save her.

THE PEBBLED PATH by Sarah M. Eden: Deep in the heart of a mysterious forest, Gretel trades her freedom to save her beloved father from the spell of an evil enchantress. Even attempting to escape would cost her father his life. Gretel’s determination to fulfill her promise wavers when she meets Hansel, a young man who captures her heart. For, she loves him too dearly to put his life in danger, and he loves her too much to simply leave her to her fate.

BLACK FERN by Julie Daines: Rós is desperate to find work in order to care for her ailing father and younger sisters. She applies to the mysterious owner of a crumbling castle and is soon swept up in dark secrets. Unsure if the owner of the castle is man or beast, Rós determines to help him at all cost. She soon discovers that the cost may be too great, even for her.

SCARLET by Heather B. Moore: When Scarlet needs to fetch a healing tonic on the night when the wolves are at their most dangerous, she has no choice but to apply to her nemesis, August, for help. He agrees to help her, but they encounter a pack of wolves that put up a fierce fight, marking Scarlet as their newly targeted prey.

SO RARE A POWER by Annette Lyon: Stella knows she’s taking a risk each time she meets Patrick in the rose garden that they’ve cultivated together. And no matter how much her mother will disapprove of their relationship, Stella can’t deny her feelings for him. When the Snow Queen steals away Patrick to drain him of his powers of creating beauty and life, Stella must decide what she’s willing to risk to rescue him.

MAIL-ORDER PRINCESS by Jessica Day George: A retelling of The Wild Swans. While it stayed true to the original fairytale, I did enjoy the slight adaptations George made. I especially liked Daniel and Mary's characters and how she tied in Native American elements to the story.

THE MILLER’S DAUGHTER by Julie Wright: A retelling of Rumpelstilskin. Wright made some lovely adaptations to this fairy tale. I appreciated the way Isa was able to essentially trick and outsmart the king instead of magic solving the dilemma.

THE PEBBLED PATH by Sarah M. Eden: A retelling of Hansel and Gretel. I really enjoyed this twist on the tale of Hansel and Gretel. Ms Eden was able to turn the tale into a love story seamlessly. She borrowed elements from other fairy tales/myths that helped make this story the perfect little tale it is.

BLACK FERN by Julie Daines: A retelling of Beauty and the Beast. This was my favorite from this anthology. It's a very different story than the Disney version we all know. I love all the pieces that tore at my heartstrings - the plight of Ros's family, the duplicity of Finn, and the whole character arc of Branan. This story is a gem.

SCARLET by Heather B. Moore: A retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. This is not the story you grew up with, but it is a delight. Another of my favorites from this anthology. I love August and his backstory - this tale wouldn't be the same without it. His backstory adds a depth that the original fairy tale, and many adaptations lack. Though she would be loath to admit it, she needs Sawyer - he balances her. The tale has substance that many novellas lack.

SO RARE A POWER by Annette Lyon: A retelling of The Snow Queen. This is NOT Disney's Frozen. It's a more accurate retelling of the original story, but with some adaptations, of course. The story of Stella and Patrick is both frustrating and endearing. It is frustrating because for the bulk of the story, they are apart. But, Stella's love couldn't be more pure and unfailing and their reunion is nothing short of magical.

Friday, November 17, 2017

Thirty-four year old Vicki Laramie must learn to trust before she can love, but she might die trying.

While Vicki’s children grapple with the death of their father
-- a man whom she’s successfully fabricated as loving, a lie her rebellious
teenager recognizes -- she must find a way to support her family and find a
role model for her boys. She never intends to fall for Staff Sergeant Chase,
her best friend’s son, who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
She’d much rather choose a safer man to love, but her children have a voice in
the decision she makes. With two deaths to deal with, a suitor after her money,
a rebellious son, and Sergeant Chase’s repeated attacks, she can only hope to
survive the danger she faces. If she doesn’t, her children will be left without
either parent.

Shaunna Gonzales currently resides with her family in the greater Seattle area. Married over thirty years, her role as wife and mother of four continue to be her priorities.

A storyteller in her youth, she endevored to extend her love of stories to the written word and in 2005 began to write her first novel. Though that manuscript will remain buried, she has continued to learn.

Once told by her doctors that she would never leave her wheelchair -- due to her Multiple sclerosis. It has been tucked in a closet while she continues on. (In other words muddles on.)

Shaunna has worked as a professional reviewer for InD'Tales eMagazine for three years. In 2012 she also served as the vice president of Moonwriters, the on-line chapter of American Night Writers Association (ANWA She prefers to write romantic fiction and has ventured into the romantic suspense, and time-travel genres. Her debut novel, Dark Day s of Promise was released by Desert Breeze Publishing in 2012 re-released 2015.

Although she prefers to spend her days writing, she is willing to share what she has learned from the school of life and is often found "giving back."

"Um... Janine?" I dropped the letters I'd just tugged out of the mailbox decorated like a big, orange jack-o-lantern, and pointed at the four men in green dress uniforms approaching my front door. My mouth tasted like the Salt Flats.

Janine, my best friend and elderly neighbor, glanced at the house and back at me. "Vicki, it's going to be okay. Even the darkest of days hold a promise of good things. I'll be right here beside you."

I tried to breathe. I thought I had shielded myself from this ever happening to me with the divorce. I was wrong. Dead weight in both legs impeded my instinct to flee. With Janine leaning on her cane at my side, I raced for my front door in slow motion, each step seeming to come slower than the previous one. Struggling with the implications, I willed my feet to move. Step, step…now lift your foot. One step... two, you can do it, just one more. I couldn't breathe. I advanced to the porch.

I sidestepped between the army green uniforms, ignoring the need for a polite acknowledgment. My hand, below the frayed sleeve of my faded red shirt, looked old and froze to the doorknob before resorting to automatic pilot. An unconscious reflex spurred me to open the door and usher them inside. The door hung wide, welcoming what I dreaded. I shrank back as though the officers would assault me. Janine came through the door, accompanied by the chaplain.

Top Ten List

10 favorite actors in no specific order.

Hugh Jackman

Matthew McConaughey

Tom Cruise

George Clooney

Sean Connery

Harrison Ford

Daniel Craig

Pierce Brosnan

Robert Downey Jr.

Brent Spinner

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Tifferz and Her Sisterz

We love reading and we enjoy sharing what we read with others. This blog is a forum for us to talk about different books and authors that interest us.

We buy lots of books, borrow them from friends and family, and sometimes we get them for free from authors and publishers. We always give our honest (and humble) opinion, whether we pay for the book or not.

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